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Best steam generator irons, tried and tested
Are you pressed for time? Here’s our pick of the best steam generator irons Mumsnet users say will save you time and energy on your laundry.
By Lucy Cotterill | Last updated Jul 4, 2024
If you find ironing a chore, you’re definitely not alone - the Mumsnet forums are filled with posts and pleas for help tackling the dreaded laundry pile - whether that’s removing creases from your work wardrobe or preparing school uniforms ready for Monday morning.
Even with the best washer dryer and laundry detergent, creases don't iron themselves and in an attempt to make ironing less stressful, many Mumsnetters have shifted from a standard iron to a steam generator iron, with most saying they’ll never look back. Using a separate water tank that generates powerful steam, efficient steam generator irons can blast through stubborn creases and wrinkles in no time, shaving valuable minutes off the time spent at your ironing board - even the best steam irons can't compete with that.
They can be quite an investment however, so are best suited to those who iron regularly or have a large pile of clothes to get through each week. Some have the added bonus of acting as a vertical clothes steamer too, so they're great for use on delicate and manmade fabrics. Dress technologist Tim Balfour from Freemans recommends steaming or ironing on the reverse of synthetic or delicate fabrics, to keep them looking their best.
We know the true value of an authentic recommendation from ordinary families, so spent hours scouring the forums for the products our Mumsnet community have used and loved. With eight million users visiting our forums every month, we discovered a wealth of tried and tested recommendations on the best steam generator irons, highlighting features such as tank size, weight and ease of use as well as the maintenance required to keep it performing at its best.
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How we chose and tested the best steam generator irons
Once we’d gathered our shortlist of recommended steam generators, we cross-referenced this with the opinion of industry experts as well as the ratings from verified customer reviews and consumer champions Which? to whittle our list down to the best of the best.
We then rigorously tested the steam generator irons in real homes, against real ironing piles, taking detailed notes on how they performed against different fabric types, how easy they were to use, store and keep clean. Cross-comparing our testers' results, we've featured the steam generator irons we think are best buys for a number of different budgets and needs. You'll find links to our in-depth reviews below each of the irons in our list.
These are the best steam generator irons to buy.
Best steam generator irons: editor's pick
Philips PerfectCare Elite Steam Generator Iron GC9650/80
No burn guarantee
Automatic shut-off for safety
High steam pressure for speed and efficiency
Easy to descale and maintain
Large water tank allowing up to two hours of ironing without refills
Can also be used as an upright steamer
Costly
The water tank is heavy to lift when full
Price on writing: £270 | Weight: 5.1kg | Tank capacity: 1.8 litres | Continuous steam output: 150 g/min | Steam shot: 500g / min | Steam pressure: 7.5 bar | Wattage: 2400W
Tested by MNHQ: Read our full Philips PerfectCare Elite Plus Steam Generator Iron review
A recent upgrade to the highly rated GC9630/20 model, the Philips PerfectCare Elite GC9650/80 Steam Generator Iron doesn’t come cheap, but the consensus amongst both Mumsnet users and experts is that you certainly get what you pay for. Improvements in this GC9650/80 model include easier descaling, enhanced steam pressure and an ultra-powerful steam boost, ensuring efficient, professional quality results, every single time.
With a large and generously sized 1.8 litre tank, the Philips PerfectCare Elite provides up to two hours of continuous use without needing to refill, allowing you to easily power through the entire family’s laundry while catching up on your favourite soaps. Despite its size, the iron itself is relatively lightweight and easy to hold, with a scratch-resistant soleplate that glides across even the thickest fabrics with ease. It makes light work of even stubborn creases and hard-to-reach areas such as collars, hems and pleats.
Thanks to the OptimalTEMP technology, the PerfectCare Elite boasts a ‘no burn guarantee’, automatically adapting to your fabrics without the need to manually adjust the temperature. As a bonus, it can even be used as a vertical steamer to quickly remove creases from your outfit or coat before you head out the door.
Morphy Richards Easy Steam Generator Iron
Large-capacity water tank and base unit
Powerful amount of steam pressure for thicker fabrics and stubborn creases
Easy limescale removal
Durable ceramic sole plate that glides across fabrics
Practical and safe cord storage
Temperature/steam settings need to be manually selected to suit your fabric type
When the cleaning light triggers, there is no option to override to a later date
Price on writing: £139 | Weight: 2.8kg | Tank capacity: 1.8 litres | Continuous steam output: 120g / min | Steam shot: 200g / min | Steam pressure: 6 bar | Wattage: 2400 W
Tested by MNHQ: Read our in-depth Morphy Richards 333030 Easy Steam Generator Iron review
With a light-up display and intuitive, simple-to-navigate buttons, the Morphy Richards Easy Steam is one of the easier models to learn and use for those transitioning from a standard iron. It performs well across most fabrics, with variable temperature settings and a non-stick ceramic soleplate, however, can take slightly longer than some to smooth out stubborn creases on thicker fabrics such as denim or thick cotton.
This model is very resistant to limescale (especially when used with a 50/50 split of tap and distilled water) and has an efficient cleaning cycle that makes it well-suited to those living in hard water areas. It’s worth noting however that when the descale reminder light comes on, there is no option to override, which could be annoying if you’re in a hurry.
Related: The best budget washing machines under £500
Philips PerfectCare Compact Steam Generator Iron GC7840
Compact and lightweight design
Optimal temp suitable for all fabrics without burning
Strong and powerful steam generation
Non-stick and scratch-resistant soleplate
Smart Calc Clean notifies you when it's time to clean your iron
Power lead could do with being longer
No vertical steam option
The water tank is not detachable
Price on writing: £144 | Weight: 3.3kg | Tank capacity: 1.5 litre | Continuous steam output: 120 g/min | Steam shot: 400g/min | Steam pressure: 6.5 bars | Wattage: 2400W
Tested by MNHQ: Read our full Philips PerfectCare Compact Steam Generator review
If you’re looking for all the benefits of a steam generator iron but are a little more limited on space, this compact model from trusted brand Philips makes an excellent choice. With a small footprint and lightweight design, it’s easy to carry and store when not in use, making it a more practical choice for smaller kitchens.
Despite its size, the Philips Compact Steam Generator does not lack in performance, with powerful steam generation that can tackle even stubborn creases caused by vacuum storage bags. Thanks to Optimal Temp technology, there are no temperature settings to worry about either, with one temperature suitable for all fabrics without the risk of burns.
The 1.5-litre tank offers over an hour of ironing time, however, it’s worth noting it's not removable, so you do need to carry the entire unit to the sink when it's time to refill. Whilst the power cable does stash away for storage, some reviewers felt it was a little on the short side, with some needing an extension lead to find a comfortable ironing position.
Read next: The best fabric softeners for great-smelling washing
Tefal GV9820G0 Pro Express Vision Steam Generator Iron
Quick two-minute heat-up time
Anti-drip system protects your clothes from spills
Smart LED Vision helps ensure good visibility for best results
Powerful steam shot and steam tip help smooth difficult-to-reach areas like collars and pleats
Anti-scale allows easy maintenance
Vertical steam function for steaming curtains or hanging clothes
High cost makes this an investment piece best suited to regular use
Requires a large and robust ironing board due to size
Tank capacity is small compared to other models
Price on writing: £349 | Weight: 5.2kg | Tank capacity: 1.2 litres | Continuous steam output: 180g/min | Steam shot: 750g/min | Steam pressure: 9 bar | Wattage: 2700 W
Tested by MNHQ: Read our in-depth Tefal Pro Express Vision Steam Generator Iron review
If you’re short on time, you’ll love the high-pressure steam shot on the Tefal GV9820G0 Pro Express Vision Steam Generator Iron which makes smoothing out thick fabrics and difficult areas simple and stress-free. Thanks to the smart LED vision light (which comes on automatically when you hold down the steam button for 2 seconds) you get excellent visibility even when ironing in low light, ensuring no unsightly creases or wrinkles are missed.
Producing high-quality results and reducing your ironing time, you can choose from a variety of temperature settings to suit your fabric type, including delicates. Alternatively, you can use the built-in Smart Steam Setting, which is safe to use on all fabrics without the risk of burning or use as a virtual steamer, de-creasing hanging items with ease.
We love the anti-scale feature of this design which makes it very easy to look after, however, it’s a costly model and the removable tank is frustratingly small compared to many steam generator irons. As such, we feel this steam generator iron is best suited to those who iron little and often and are looking for fast and efficient results.
Russell Hobbs Quiet Super Steam Generator Iron 24470
Quiet operation
Impressive steam output
Detachable water tank with a large capacity
Anti-drip
Auto shut-off feature for peace of mind
Vertical steam option
Anti-calc notification when the filter needs replacing
The tip isn’t narrow enough to tackle hard-to-reach areas
Not the most ergonomic handle
Price on writing: £179 | Weight: 5.06 kg | Tank capacity: 1.8L | Continuous steam output: 200g/min | Steam shot: 360g/min | Steam pressure: 7 bar | Wattage: 2400W
Due to their power and efficiency, steam generator irons tend to be noisier than a standard iron, which can be frustrating if you usually settle down to iron in front of the TV. The Russell Hobbs Quiet Super Steam Generator iron is the exception Featuring Quiet Technology, it claims to be up to 20% quieter than previous models, so you can still get some welcome entertainment while you speed through your shirts and school uniform.
Despite lower noise levels, this iron has powerful steam pressure that can tackle a whole host of ironing challenges, from crumpled collars to creased denim, although the tip of the iron is a little thick for hard-to-reach areas. With a high-capacity water tank, you can easily get over an hour of ironing time without the need to refill, however, the handle could get a little uncomfortable after prolonged use
A which ECO Buy, the anti-calc filter on the Quiet Super Steam works well at removing limescale - a huge plus point if you live in a hard water area. A visual indicator will even let you know when it's time to replace it, making this a fairly low-maintenance choice.
Read next: The best laundry detergents for babies
What is a steam generator iron?
Unlike traditional steam irons, steam generator irons have a separate, often large, water tank and use a steam generator unit to provide powerful, fast and efficient crease removal. With the tank, steam generator irons are much bigger than normal irons, and therefore need extra space for storage.
Related: Thinking about a tumble dryer? We have guides to the best heat pump tumble dryers, the best condenser tumble dryers and the best vented tumble dryers.
What to consider when buying a steam generator iron
Heating time - How long does it take to heat up the water in the tank? A good steam generator iron can heat up in less than 2 minutes, whilst some may take a little longer, particularly if the tank has a high capacity.
Tank size - Most steam generator irons have a tank size capable of holding at least 1 litre of water, with the vast majority holding between 1.2 and 1.8 litres. The larger the tank, the longer you can iron continuously without the need to refill. If you have a large family and large wash loads to get through, you may want to opt for the largest size possible, whereas infrequent users or smaller households may be perfectly comfortable with a smaller volume.
Ease of use - How simple are the instructions - are there lots of settings to master or are there no temperature settings like the Philips Optimal Temp technology which simplifies its use? If you're ironing delicate items, you may find the no-burn guarantee of a fixed temperature offers additional peace of mind.
Size - Do you have space to store a larger steam generator iron when not in use? Cord length is one thing to consider, and storage clips or containers can be helpful when the iron is not in use.
Anti-calc function - Does the iron have features to prevent the build-up of unwelcome limescale? Not only can this be unsightly, it can affect your iron’s performance, so may be particularly important if you live in a hard water area.
Weight - how heavy is it? Remember you will need to be able to physically lift and carry the water tank and weight varies fairly significantly depending on the brand and tank size. You also need to ensure your ironing board is capable of holding the additional weight, as a lightweight board just won’t cut it. Designs with removable water tanks are often easier to fill.
Water tank capacity - How much ironing do you do? For larger families with substantial ironing piles, a large 1.8-litre capacity can allow you to complete all the ironing in one session without the need to refill.
Steam output and pressure - What pressure and steam levels does the iron offer? The more powerful the steam settings, the more efficiently they can remove stubborn creases and wrinkles from your clothes.
Can it be used as a vertical steamer? - Some steam generator irons can also be used to steam hanging clothes such as curtains, suits, coats and dresses, which can be really useful for freshening up items before wear.
Noisy - How noisy is it? If you intend to use the iron in an open-plan living space or want to watch TV or listen to the radio during use, you may want to opt for a quieter model.
Cost - Last but by no means least in the current climate- how much are you willing to spend? Steam generator irons are generally quite an investment, however, the time-saving benefits can be worth their weight in gold!
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Are steam generator irons better than standard irons for ironing?
Due to the larger water tank, steam generator irons require refilling less regularly than standard irons, allowing longer ironing sessions without needing to top up in between your sheets and shirts.
The steam generator unit heats up to produce high-pressure steam which is often more efficient than that generated by standard irons, reducing ironing time while being more effective at removing creases from clothes - ideal if you have a large family or a never-ending laundry pile.
They aren’t for everyone though. Not only are they costly, steam generator irons are often heavier and larger than standard irons, requiring a robust ironing board that can handle the additional weight and somewhere to store them when not in use.
Read next: The best mould removers for tackling damp in your home
What is the best steam generator iron to buy?
The Philips PerfectCare Elite is our top pick for the best steam generator iron you can buy today. While it comes with a significant price tag, this versatile iron is simple to use, with a large capacity water tank and impressive steam generation that makes ironing almost enjoyable. With one temperature setting and a no-burn guarantee, it makes light work of all fabric types, and can even be used as a vertical steamer when needed.
How we chose our recommendations
Recommendations from real Mumsnet users
There is a lot of debate within the Mumsnet forums on how to tackle the never-ending ironing pile, with many users sharing their hints and tips on the best tools for the job.
First, we sought out the trusted opinions of Mumsnet users, to get their feedback on the steam generator irons that they rate, recommend and have used in their own homes.
We also looked out for any negative reviews, where Mumsetters highlighted products that they felt were poor quality, overpriced, noisy or simply struggled to tackle those more stubborn wrinkles and creases.
Expert opinions
Next up, we considered reviews and feedback from trusted industry experts. We want to be confident that the products we recommend are fit for purpose, so we looked out for award-winning products or those that were well regarded in the marketplace, including those recommended by household experts and consumer champions such as Which?
Authentic consumer reviews
Finally, to bring you our definitive list of the best steam generator irons on the market, we thoroughly investigated genuine, in-depth customer reviews on retailer sites such as Amazon, Argos and John Lewis to get wider consumer experiences regarding the products on our shortlist.
About the author
Lucy Cotterill is a Mum and Content Writer at Mumsnet, specialising in baby/child and lifestyle product reviews and round-ups. Having written product reviews on her own blog Real Mum Reviews since 2012, Lucy loves to research and explore the pros and cons of products, scrutinising reviews and consumer feedback to help people make confident purchases.
Originally from a HR background with a degree in Business Studies, Lucy developed a real passion for blogging and writing when her children were young, going on to write for several online publications including US parenting site Pregistry and the Evening Standard. When she’s not manically tapping the keys of her laptop, Lucy loves nothing more than to cosy up with her Kindle and enjoy the latest thriller, hiding from her ironing pile or competing in Nintendo Switch rallies with her daughters aged six and 10.
Why you should trust us
We work hard to provide honest and independent advice you can trust and we spend hours scouring the Mumsnet forums and online bestseller lists to find products that real parents rate.
Transparency is really important to us and that's why we're always upfront about where we find our recommendations. We write about products that we feel offer the best value to most parents – the ones that our users would recommend to their own friends and family.